If you’re craving the comfort of a restaurant-worthy meal made effortlessly at home, say hello to the one-pan magic of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. This dish is a true weeknight hero: juicy chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, a glossy garlic cream sauce, and vibrant spinach all mingle together in a skillet, infusing the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Topped off with a flurry of Parmesan and fresh herbs, every forkful offers cozy, creamy, downright craveable flavor — ready in under 30 minutes and begging for a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet comes together with simple, supermarket-friendly ingredients, each bringing something special: savory richness, creamy texture, and a bright pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps the chicken develop a gorgeous golden crust for even more flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they soak up seasonings and remain juicy in the creamy sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A savory blend of herbs that infuses the chicken and sauce with classic Italian-inspired notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing out every bit of flavor in the chicken and elevating the entire dish.
- Fresh garlic: The heart and soul of this skillet; four cloves give the sauce its signature fragrance and depth.
- Butter: Adds richness, makes the garlic sizzle, and creates an irresistibly glossy sauce.
- Potato gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings provide the perfect, satisfying base for the creamy skillet.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the gnocchi with savory flavor while helping form the luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and body, turning the sauce dreamy and decadent (half-and-half works for a lighter option).
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in, lending savory, nutty depth and thickening the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts down for a burst of green color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to tickle their taste buds.
- Fresh parsley: The final flourish! Sprinkled on top, it adds refreshing color and brightness.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add them to the pan and let them cook undisturbed until golden on the outside and just cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. This is where the juicy, savory flavor base for your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet takes shape. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—you’ll be welcoming it back soon!
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic Goodness
In the same skillet (don’t wash it out, all those tasty brown bits add flavor!), lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, stirring constantly to keep it from burning. This step fills your kitchen with an aroma so delicious, it’s nearly impossible not to sneak a taste.
Step 3: Simmer the Gnocchi
Next, stir in the potato gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream, then bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, giving a quick stir occasionally, until the gnocchi softens and soaks up all those creamy, garlicky flavors. The result: pillowy, sauce-hugging gnocchi that never gets mushy.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Take off the lid and add the Parmesan cheese along with the fresh spinach. Stir gently until the spinach just wilts—it goes from seemingly endless leaves to just the right amount nestled throughout the skillet. The Parmesan melts in, making the sauce velvety and utterly luscious.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, letting the chicken warm back through and the sauce thicken a touch, just another couple of minutes. If you like heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Give it all one last loving stir, then get ready to serve topped with bright parsley. This is the heart and soul of your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet quite like a shower of fresh, vibrant parsley. The parsley’s earthy bite balances the creamy sauce, while a touch more grated Parmesan adds extra richness and that irresistible cheesy pull. Red pepper flakes are perfect for those craving a subtle kick—just a pinch goes a long way!
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough for dinner on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with crusty garlic bread that soaks up every drop of sauce, or a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette to refresh your palate between bites. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are great for adding even more color and crunch alongside your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the cozy, family-style vibe by serving straight from the skillet at the table for easy sharing and a bit of drama. If you’re feeling fancy, spoon portions into shallow bowls and top each with extra herbs or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For a quick lunch, try reheating leftovers and piling them onto toasted bread for a decadent open-faced sandwich. However you present it, expect empty plates!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, lucky you! Cool the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits and it reheats beautifully.
Freezing
Although this skillet is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon completely cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture—keep in mind the cream sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle stir while reheating brings it back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet gently on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to revive that bright finish!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or any cooked chicken will work in a pinch. Just skip the initial sauté step and add the shredded chicken back into the skillet when you return the chicken in Step 5 to warm through in the sauce.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No pre-boiling necessary! The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the savory flavors and keeping your dish strictly one-pan and fuss-free.
Is there a way to make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free alternatives: swap the butter and cream for plant-based versions, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The texture and richness may change, but you’ll still get plenty of satisfying flavor.
Can I swap in different vegetables?
Definitely! While spinach is classic, you can substitute chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even toss in some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Just adjust the timing so everything cooks to your liking.
How do I avoid sticky or mushy gnocchi?
Be sure not to overcook—keep to the guideline of about 5 minutes in the sauce, stirring gently. Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for best results, and consider removing the lid as directed to prevent too much moisture build-up.
Final Thoughts
I can’t sing the praises of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet enough: it’s quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or yourself, it’s a surefire way to wow at the dinner table (with minimal cleanup required). I hope you’ll give it a try and let this one-pan classic become a staple in your kitchen, too!
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender potato gnocchi, seasoned chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a decadent garlic cream sauce. Quick and easy to make, this Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken, and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then stir in gnocchi, broth, and cream. Simmer covered until gnocchi is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan and spinach until wilted. Add chicken back to the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance the dish with sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
